Aside from suffering their first loss of the 2020 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams were dealt a few minor casualties against the Buffalo Bills in week 3.
Rookie safety Jordan Fuller was sidelined with a shoulder injury during the 35-32 loss to the Bills. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day and wide receiver Josh Reynolds also returned from the two-game road trip with some notable ailments.
The Rams have returned home for a favorable matchup versus the New York Giants in Week 4. With a few key players on the mend, it appears they plan on taking a cautious approach in practice.
Fortunately, head coach Sean McVay gave some rather encouraging updates starting with Fuller being listed as day-to-day, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
Fuller sustained a shoulder injury against the Bills, according to McVay, and is considered day-to-day. McVay said “we might be smart with him on Wednesday” and have him rest instead of practice that day.
McVay added that he does not expect Joseph-Day or Reynolds to miss time with their injuries:
“Nothing that we anticipate those guys missing any time,” McVay said of Joseph-Day and Reynolds.
McVay says the only player facing uncertainty is running back Cam Akers as he continues to deal with a rib injury that he suffered in Week 2 and forced him to miss the game against the Bills:
“With Cam, we’ll see if he’s ready to go and how he kind of progresses throughout the course of the week,” McVay said. “He’s really the only one that I would say his status is uncertain.”
McVay’s update indicates that Los Angeles will be close to full strength when they play host to New York this week. While Akers’ status still has yet to be determined, it is safe to say that the backfield has remained rather productive thanks to the efforts of Darrell Henderson.
Henderson credited his offensive line for allowing him to take full advantage of the increased workload for the second straight week with 114 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. His performance along with running back Malcolm Brown’s availability should allow the Rams to take their time with Akers’ recovery.
Meanwhile, there remains speculation regarding whether or not outside linebacker Terrell Lewis is prepared to make his debut against the Giants. Despite being eligible to return to the active roster off injured reserve, McVay indicated that him playing this week may be far-fetched.
The Rams are in desperate need of a spark on the edge with Leonard Floyd being the only one to make an impact outside of Aaron Donald capitalize after registering 2.0 sacks and four pressures through three games.
